So, you’ve made the decision to get fit this year. You’ve told everyone about your resolution, bought some new workout gear, and you’re ready to go.

Or are you?

This is a good question to ponder as you go about starting your new routine. It’s easy to get excited, but for many, that enthusiasm wears off as time goes on, and what was once your goal for 2014 is now your “eh, maybe next year.”

What can you do to make sure your commitment to get fit turns into a lifestyle, rather than just a passing phase? Here are a few tips to try on for size:

Make a plan. Know your schedule, know your body, and know what you want to accomplish. I’ll never be an early-morning, before work workout person – but I have the discipline to still get to the gym every night. Find the time and place that works for you. It can be a gym, a studio, or that old treadmill in your basement or DVD in your living room, whatever you know you’ll enjoy doing.

Hire a trainer. Or nutritionist. Or both. Depending on your goals, you may need to bring in the expert. Most people (myself included) don’t realize how much they don’t know until they hire a professional. I went to the gym for six years before I hired a trainer … and in six months I saw more results than I did in those six years going it alone.

Share your goal … and stick to it. Peer pressure doesn’t stop in high school. If you really want to change your life this year, don’t your food-pusher family talk you into a doughnut, or your social circle force you to skip a workout. It’s your life, and you decide what you make of it.

Have FUN! Remember when you were a kid and you used to run around the backyard? It was fun, right? It was also exercise. So whatever you choose to do, make it fun, and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Find a class, a running group, or a workout partner to look forward to seeing when it’s exercise time.

Diets don’t work. Sporadic exercise doesn’t work. What does? Keeping with your commitment, and embracing a healthy lifestyle. I’m not saying treats are forever off the table (I’ll admit to my own killer sweet tooth), or that you have to live in the gym – but like so many other areas of our lives, it’s a matter of maintaining balance. You get out what you put in. It will not be easy. Some days you may hurt. Some days that cake may not stop screaming your name. You will fall down. But you have to get back up. Hope to still be seeing you around the gym in March!

Happy Halloween (almost) everyone! Hope you are enjoying the day of tricks and treats. I came across this great graphic that shows exactly what you may be getting (calorie-wise) out of those treats – be aware that those candy calories add up fast! Some of your better options? Choose a “mini” or two – you’ll get the taste, without a huge hit to your hips (or wherever your extra pounds tend to add up).

That said … a little candy won’t hurt you. Just be aware of how much and what quality you choose – there’s a big difference between one ounce of quality dark chocolate and a king size Snickers (do they even still make those?) Enjoy your Halloween!
Via: DegreeSearch.org

We all know that calories play a big part in the fitness – and not just in losing, gaining or maintaining your weight. It can be a delicate balance; both too much and too little can cause your body to hang on to extra fat (your body can only burn off so much – but at the same time, too few will send you into “starvation mode.”)

Enjoy your July 4 parties and barbeques tomorrow and through this weekend … but make sure you know what you’re putting in your mouth. I came across this great graphic that spells out the best choices from a nutrition and healthy-eating standpoint. Don’t get too hung up on trying to eat perfectly today, but do make sure you don’t undo all the good choices you have been making on non-holidays!